The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation has announced that the Federal Transit Administration has certified the Commonwealth’s State Safety Oversight (SSO) Program for The Tide, the light rail system in Norfolk operated by Hampton Roads Transit. Under federal law, states must perform safety oversight of rail public transit systems operating within their respective jurisdictions. DRPT administers state safety oversight of The Tide.
“This is an important milestone ensuring that The Tide light rail system in Virginia continues to provide safe and reliable transportation,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “We are encouraged by this significant progress establishing Virginia as a leader in transportation safety and oversight.”
Following new rules issued in 2016, all states must meet federal SSO certification requirements by April 15, 2019 or risk significant penalties, including the loss of federal funding for public transportation. Virginia joins Colorado in achieving program certification today. Programs in Ohio, Minnesota, Utah, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, and Massachusetts have also been certified.
“Virginia has been working towards this milestone and is thankful for the FTA’s guidance throughout this process. The collaboration between federal and state agencies has helped to establish an SSO agency that supports a safe and successful light rail system,” said DRPT Director Jennifer L. Mitchell.
Separately, Virginia alongside the District of Columbia and Maryland, continue to collaborate to support the creation of the Metrorail Safety Commission (MSC). Once certified, the MSC will be the designated State Safety Oversight Agency for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority metrorail system.
